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How Much Countertop Space Does Your Kitchen Need? 4 Factors

Feb 26, 2021
Shiny Counter Top — Bloomington & Champaign, IL — Luther Falls Custom Kitchens

As you plan your new kitchen or renovation, you face many decisions. With so much choice available for modern kitchen owners, you're often only limited by your budget and imagination. One of the most basic — and important — decisions for any kitchen design is how much countertop space to have. A number of factors can and should inform your personal decision. Here are four of the most important.


1. How Large Is the Kitchen?


The kitchen's size is one of the biggest factors in choosing how much countertop space is practical. Many experts suggest that any kitchen should have at least a minimum amount of 13 feet of countertop surface. Trying to squeeze more countertop than this into a small kitchen could rob the room of other features like a sink or stove large enough to meet your needs. Or it may make the room hard to safely walk around in. 


However, the bare minimum counter space in a large kitchen will make it look unfinished and awkward. It can also make the work triangle — or the space between the sink, fridge, and oven — too large and inefficient for comfortable cooking. You can add a peninsula in a large open kitchen to create a more logical work area. 


2. How Many People Use the Kitchen?


Does one person tend to work alone in the kitchen? Or is it a family affair? Do groups often gather in the kitchen when you entertain? Are people trying to cook dinner, bake dessert, and make snacks at the same time?


These scenarios call for different amounts of countertop space. A single cook in the room may only need the minimum of 13 feet, but you might need another 6 or 7 feet to avoid conflicts between people baking or cooking different things at the same time. And if two or more unrelated activities happen, you might need to double the counter space. 


3. What Activities Happen There? 


Along with the question of how many people share the room, there is also the question of what they do there. If you love to cook or bake, you may need larger swaths of uninterrupted prep space between major appliances like the stove and sink. An island with counters above and ovens below could also make your work triangle — and that specific countertop — more efficient. 


However, if the kitchen also serves as a regular place where kids do homework, you may be better off to reduce prep counters and beef up spaces more suited to school work. And if you need a charging center or laptop port, an island is unlikely to fit the bill. You'd need an out-of-the-way countertop with electrical access and little chance of moisture. 


4. Where Are Counters Located?


Look at your plans to assess where your counter space will be located. Thirteen feet of counter space evenly spaced between the refrigerator, sink, and stove may look and feel very expansive. However, that same 13 feet tucked into odd, unusable corners or on a single long wall may not be a useful amount of space. 


This means that both visual impression — how they look and feel — as well as efficiency may be more important than the actual square footage of counters. Adding an additional 12 inches to the minimum recommendation of 18 to 36 inches on either side of the sink could make more difference than adding several feet on the far side of the pantry. 


Clearly, the amount of countertop surface area you need is unique to each kitchen and its occupants. The best place to start making this decision is to consult with an experienced kitchen contractor. Luther Falls Kitchen & Bath can help. Call today to make an appointment and benefit from the expert assistance of our team of remodeling pros.

30 Sep, 2023
In the heart of a small, tight-knit community lies a business that has become a cornerstone of quality and reliability over the years. Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath has been serving its community for generations, offering top-notch kitchen and bathroom remodeling services. At the heart of this family-owned and operated business is Luther Falls Third Generation Owner, Matt Falls, the fourth-generation worker who now proudly holds the position of office manager. In this blog, we will delve into Matt's journey and the legacy he carries forward as he continues to contribute to the success of Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath. A Family Legacy Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath was founded over 70 years ago by Matt's great-grandfather, Luther Falls Sr. Since then, the business has remained a family affair, passing down through the generations. Matt is the latest in a long line of dedicated individuals who have taken up the mantle of stewardship for this beloved establishment. Matt's journey with the company began early helping do the vigorous office work, moving all files to digital! His father and grandfather, both passionate about the business, instilled in him the values of hard work, craftsmanship, and customer satisfaction that have become synonymous with the Luther Falls name. Matt's path within the company equipped him with valuable knowledge about the products, processes, and customer expectations. As he grew older, Matt recognized the need for a strong organizational backbone within the company. Here, he utilized administrative skills to streamline operations, enhance customer communication, and oversee the day-to-day affairs of the business. The Role of an Office Manager As Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath's office manager, Matt plays a pivotal role in ensuring the company's continued success. His responsibilities extend beyond the confines of a traditional office manager. He serves as a bridge between the craftsmen in the field and the customers seeking their expertise. Matt's duties include: Customer Relations : Matt is often the first point of contact for clients, addressing their inquiries and guiding them through the remodeling process. His friendly demeanor and deep product knowledge reassure customers, making them feel comfortable and confident in their choices. Project Coordination : With a keen eye for detail, Matt ensures that each project runs smoothly. He schedules appointments, manages timelines, and coordinates the efforts of the skilled craftsmen on-site. Quality Control : Upholding Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath's reputation for excellence, Matt meticulously reviews completed projects to guarantee that they meet the company's high standards. Team Support : Matt provides invaluable support to the field teams, ensuring they have the materials and information they need to complete their work efficiently. Innovation and Growth : Matt is constantly exploring new trends and technologies in the industry to keep the business competitive and offer clients the latest in kitchen and bathroom design. Matt Falls is not just an office manager; he is a custodian of tradition and a driving force behind Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath's ongoing success. His dedication to preserving the legacy of his family's business while adapting to the demands of the modern world is a testament to his unwavering commitment. As Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath continues to thrive. It remains a symbol of the enduring power of family, hard work, and a deep-seated passion for craftsmanship. Customers can expect nothing but the best from this fourth-generation office manager, ensuring that Luther Falls Kitchen and Bath remains a trusted name in kitchen and bathroom remodeling for generations to come.
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